International Day of the Tropics

International Day of the Tropics History

The International Day of the Tropics is a global observance initiated by the United Nations to celebrate the tropical regions of the world and raise awareness of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these areas. This day highlights the importance of the tropics in terms of their ecological, economic, and social significance. The International Day of Tropics encourages international cooperation to address the challenges faced by the tropics and promote sustainable development, at a time when the global community needs to come together to overcome issues such as climate change, underdevelopment, and inequality.

In Canada, the International Day of the Tropics is celebrated as a commemoration of the country's involvement in the establishment of the Tropics Research Centre. The Centre was established in 1946 by the Canadian government in Jamaica to conduct research on the tropical regions of the world.

Today, this day is observed in Canada with various activities such as lectures, seminars, and workshops that aim to improve knowledge and understanding of the tropics. Additionally, it is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of tropical regions, especially in relation to climate change, poverty, and sustainable development. International Day of the Tropics is observed annually on June 29th.

International Day of the Tropics facts

• According to the UN, almost half of the world's population lives in the Tropics.
• More than 80% of the world's biodiversity lives in the Tropics.
• The State of the Tropics Report pointed out an interesting fact that by the late 2040s, the Tropics will be more populous than the rest of the world combined.
• Canada has significant trade and investment relationships with countries in the tropics, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
• Canada is home to numerous hot springs, some of which are located in British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Day of the Tropics

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Read a first-hand account about Carmen Rodríguez and her family's efforts to preserve Colombia's tropical dry forest.
• Browse the 2020 report on the state of the tropics. It covers a wide variety of topics including the environment, human impact, and the application of science and technology.
• Visit the Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver, which has a tropical rainforest environment with exotic plants and birds.
• See the tropical exhibits at the Biodôme in Montreal, which includes a replica of a South American rainforest.